Windows 11 download: OS may work on old PCs, but read WARNING first

Windows 11 will install on some older PCs, but users will see a message stating that their PC will no longer be supported and won’t be entitled to receive updates. However, Microsoft want you to do something first.

Significantly, Microsoft wants users to do something before they can download Windows 11 - waive it of all responsibility if something goes wrong with their computers.

Microsoft Windows 11 will be here in less than two weeks, and computer enthusiasts around the world will be gearing up to download and install the latest version of the Windows operating system. However, this time Microsoft will limit how many users can install Windows 11 by default, to computers that have specific hardware configurations – including new processors. Older computers that are not compatible with the update will continue to receive Windows 10 security and feature updates until 2025.

As we've previously reported, when October 5 comes, Microsoft will not block users from carrying out a Windows 11 download and installing it on their computers. However, The Verge reports that the company has now started showing a new screen to users, informing them that their computer doesn't meet the company's minimum system requirements for the new operating system version. It also tells users that their device will not be supported and won't be eligible to receive updates.

A screenshot of the message captured by The Verge displays the message Microsoft is showing users who try to upgrade an unsupported PC to Windows 11.  (Sean Hollister/ The Verge)

A screenshot of the message captured by The Verge displays the message Microsoft is showing users who try to upgrade an unsupported PC to Windows 11.  (Sean Hollister/ The Verge)

Windows 11 download - what you have to do: The message was spotted on the Windows 11 beta, which comes days before the company launches the operating system – it is reasonable to assume that this will be the same functionality when the operating system releases. Significant;y, Microsoft wants users to do something before they can download Windows 11. Users will have to click the Accept button to continue. What this does is waive Microsoft of all responsibility for updating older devices.

What Microsoft is telling users: “This PC doesn't meet the minimum system requirements for running Windows 11 - these requirements help ensure a more reliable and higher quality experience. Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your PC due to lack of compatibility aren't covered under the manufacturer wärranty. By selecting Accept you are acknowledging that you read and understand this statement,” reads the message that shows up as part of the Windows 11 update process.

How to check if your computer is compatible with Windows 11: Users who want to check if their computer is compatible with the Windows 11 update can download the company's newly released PC Health Check app from the company's website. The tool will inform users about various components on their PC that might not be compatible with Windows 11. Some can be modified, like Secure Boot, but others like outdated processors will leave users with incompatible PCs – thankfully they will have until October 2025 to upgrade their computer hardware as Windows 10 updates will continue until that date, according to Microsoft.